Microsoft Excel, a widely recognized spreadsheet software, is widely known for its versatility, with users even discovering that it can run classic shooter game Doom. However, a recent development has showcased an astonishing new facet of Excel’s capabilities: it can be employed to build a functioning CPU. This unexpected revelation comes from the work of a YouTuber named Inkbox, who has demonstrated this feat in a detailed 16-minute video.
Remarkably, Inkbox accomplished the construction of a 16-bit CPU within Excel without utilizing any Visual Basic scripts or plugins. The CPU operates at a clock rate of 3Hz and boasts 128KB of RAM, a 16-color 128×128 pixel display, and a custom assembly language. What’s even more fascinating is the fact that the files for this CPU are now available on Github, allowing others to test it for themselves.
One of the most impressive aspects of this project is the creation of a fully functioning assembly language specifically designed for the Excel CPU. This assembly language, called Excel-ASM16, encompasses 23 different instructions and incorporates support for variables, labels, and binary file usage. While these functionalities may seem elementary for an assembly language, they are quite significant considering the limitations imposed by a 16-bit CPU functioning within Excel.
In the explanatory video, Inkbox delves into a comprehensive explanation of the Excel functions employed in the project and how they were manipulated to accomplish the creation of a functional CPU. Despite the CPU’s relatively modest speed of 3Hz, the time-lapse demonstration effectively reveals the inner workings of this remarkable Excel-based CPU.
While the 16-bit CPU built within Excel may have its limitations, it undeniably showcases Inkbox’s exceptional technical skill and creativity. The freely shared Excel-ASM16 and its accompanying CPU, along with sample programs available on Github, offer an exciting opportunity for other Excel users to explore this unique creation themselves.
[Link to the video demonstration on YouTube]
FAQ:
1. What is the recent development regarding Microsoft Excel?
Microsoft Excel has been shown to be capable of building a functioning CPU.
2. Who showcased this new facet of Excel’s capabilities?
A YouTuber named Inkbox demonstrated the construction of a 16-bit CPU within Excel.
3. How was the CPU built in Excel?
The CPU was built without utilizing any Visual Basic scripts or plugins.
4. What are the specifications of the CPU?
The CPU operates at a clock rate of 3Hz and has 128KB of RAM, a 16-color 128×128 pixel display, and a custom assembly language.
5. Are the files for this CPU available for others to test?
Yes, the files for this CPU are available on Github.
6. What is the assembly language used specifically for the Excel CPU called?
The assembly language is called Excel-ASM16 and it encompasses 23 different instructions and supports variables, labels, and binary file usage.
7. How was the CPU created using Excel functions?
The YouTuber, Inkbox, explains in a video demonstration the Excel functions used and how they were manipulated to create the functional CPU.
8. What is the speed of the Excel-based CPU?
The CPU operates at a relatively modest speed of 3Hz.
9. What does the freely shared Excel-ASM16 offer to other users?
The freely shared Excel-ASM16 and its accompanying CPU, along with sample programs on Github, offer an opportunity for other Excel users to explore and test this unique creation.
Definitions:
– CPU: Abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, the primary component of a computer that performs most of the processing inside a computer.
– Assembly language: A low-level programming language that uses mnemonic codes and symbols to represent operations and instructions that can be executed directly by a computer’s CPU.
Related links:
– Video demonstration on YouTube
– Github repository for the CPU files
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl